"I never lost hope after the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana last year. I told myself that the only way to get my place back was to work hard," said Mhlongo.

"It is great to be back with Bafana Bafana. It's always an honour for every sportsman to represent his country. It's the best thing to be part of the team because the tournament is the dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup.

"We have a great team which I have no doubt will make us proud. We just have to work hard as a team. I also think we have to work on how to deal with set pieces.

"The team has been conceding goals from set pieces. I believe we will work on how to defend them."

Like all the other players and officials, Mhlongo said the home support would be a huge motivational factor for Bafana Bafana.

Defensive midfielder Masilo Modubi, who plies his trade in Belgium, was the first overseas-based player to arrive in the country yesterday.